I work as a screenwriter for film & TV. In a former life I was a media specialist & campaign ad writer. Follow me on Twitter @MarkHughesFilms; add me on Google+; and read my question and answers about film, comics, and more on Quora.

Wonder Woman Likely To Appear In 'Batman Vs. Superman' Movie

Rumors and news are spreading fast the last few days, and while I’ll refrain from commenting on specific names (some of which are appearing in stories today, including Olga Kurylenko, who Schmoes Know are reporting screen tested for the role, and which I’d heard previously but haven’t confirmed) who may or may not be in the mix, I have heard from numerous reliable sources that Wonder Woman seems likely to appear in at least a cameo role in the upcoming Warner Bros. superhero film Batman vs. Superman.

Man of Steel already performed strongly at the box office, to the tune of $660+ million. A sequel was inevitable, and Warner is making it a team-up by introducing a brand new cinematic Batman to ensure the movie has better odds of performing close to or in excess of $1 billion. Batman films are the only WB/DC superhero adaptations to perform at that level, so the studio is betting his inclusion will help propel the Man of Steel follow-up to greater heights as well.

Now, it seems Warner is also deciding that they need to at least get the ball rolling on also finally bringing Wonder Woman to the big screen. While the film was probably already likely to approach $1 billion once Batman entered the picture, the introduction of Wonder Woman makes it a whole new ballgame. Fan anticipation for her eventual cinematic debut has grown in recent months, and last weekend it really took off when I reported on Jaimie Alexander’s admission she’d spoken with folks at WB/DC and knew some of the story for Batman vs. Superman.

If Wonder Woman indeed appears in the movie, as appears likely at this point, the question is whether it’s just a cameo to introduce her, or if she’ll be part of a “Trinity” adaptation offering her equal screen-time with Batman and Superman. Right now, what I’ve heard strongly suggests this will be an introductory appearance, setting up another film that features all three characters in more equitable roles. There’s also a chance it could, if things go well enough, help spin Wonder Woman off into a solo film.

The payoff for DC will be enormous, in financial terms. They’ll quickly have three of the biggest-name characters in comics established for film franchises and team-ups, they’ll achieve a blockbuster summer hit that could reasonably be expected to match or surpass the box office of 2012′s The Avengers, and they’ll have created the most prominent, recognizable female superhero adaptation on film. By 2018, then, we could see another Superman movie, a Batman solo movie, a Wonder Woman movie, and a “Trinity” team-up film setting up a forthcoming Justice League movie a year or two later that introduces another character or two into the mix. It would take some tight scheduling and a lot of work, but it’s possible this could all happen. More likely, we’ll get those films but on a longer timeline, out to about 2020 perhaps.

Warner Bros. isn’t merely in the superhero film business, so they don’t really need to — nor should they be expected to — match Marvel’s level of output for the superhero genre. But Wonder Woman’s inclusion will be a good start to building a more impressive presence for the DC universe on film. And no doubt, it’ll be highly lucrative as well.

I’ll have more to say when I’m at liberty to say more, and once I’ve confirmed some additional information, so stay tuned folks!

What do you think of the reports, dear readers? And how do you feel about the likelihood Wonder Woman will grace the cinematic screen in 2015 in some fashion? Sound off in the comments below!

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I wasn’t really anticipating MOS: 2, but having WW would be a big draw for me and a few of my friends. I’ll take any Wonder Woman on the big screen as long as its done well and doesn’t stick to the ridiculous classic outfit of hers. They should change the design like they changed Superman’s and the general public won’t give a damn about it, unlike the fanboys/girls.

More than anything, the film has to actually be good for it to rival the success of the Avengers. Merely having all the right pieces does not ensure success and I’m worried that Zach Snyder doesn’t have the talent to pull it all together as more than the sum of its parts.

For all the potential a film like this has, there’s also a huge risk of it being an outright dud critically and with audiences.

People seem to be forgetting that this doesnt simply ride on the shoulders of zack snyder. There are a lot of moving parts here. David goyer is actually the screenwriter for this movie. Id say thats pretty important and makes him a key player in the success or failure of this superman batman movie. But i guess its easier to tear apart snyder if the movie fails. Also i enjoyed man of steel, i thought snyder and goyer did great work.

What would be great is if she just appears at the end of the movie. It would play out like this…She goes to the Daily Planet and Perry White introduces her to Clark and she just says “Hello, my name is Diana.”….end movie.

How do I feel? Excited!!! I’ve been waiting for a great Wonder Woman movie ever since I was a kid in the 70s and spun myself headfirst into walls trying to turn into the Amazon princess. LOL. Seriously, I love Batman and Thor and Mr. Stark but I’m STARVED for a strong female superhero. One who isn’t a side-kick and over-sexified. One who is a leader, well-respected, complex and powerful. If Wonder Woman is well-written and well-cast – which is key – the movie will be very satisfying. Great article Mr. Hughes!

My thinking is this….. I think they will introduce WW in the film, but I think it won’t be until the end. What I mean is, they won’t show her as WW until the end. But I think “Diana” will be introduced earlier in the film. I also read an article earlier that Gal Gadot (Fast and Furious) and Elodie Yung (GI Joe Retaliation) have auditioned for a female lead in the Batman vs. Superman movie as well. I am liking what I hear about this film. I really hope WB/DC uses this film to get the DCU off the ground and start laying the groundwork for a Justice League film. I realize that people had issues with Man of Steel, but I thought it was a great way to introduce a new Superman to mainstream audiences. With the addition of a new Batman, and now possibly WW, I see these movies just getting better. Here is hoping that WW, regardless of who plays her, catches the attention of movie goers and can help give confidence to WB/DC to continue to expand the DCU.

I say “Wonder Woman” as a catch-all for her, but I think specifically she’ll be in disguise as Diana Prince in the film and only appear for a small portion of the film. And FYI, people should remember that when we hear audition info, that might not be for WW, it could be for another female role in the film — I think some of those names are in fact for a different character.

That was my thinking as well about when we will see Diana and when we will see WW. As for the auditions, I believe they are looking for a love interest for Bruce Wayne so I am sure some of these woman have auditioned for that role. I have also read that Lex will be in the movie, Flash will make an appearance, and we will see Dick Grayson as Nightwing. All speculation at this point though. If it’s true all these characters will have a role in the film, it’s safe to assume WB/DC are moving full speed ahead. Maybe a little to fast. Either way, looking forward to seeing how they bring them together.